The Journal of burn care & rehabilitation
-
Temporary closure of our burn unit allowed evaluation of the effect of a closed unit on infection rates. During renovations, burned patients were treated either in private ward rooms or in the intensive care unit by burn unit nursing staff using the same wound care practices as used in the burn unit. Data regarding burn severity and outcome were collected and compared for all patients treated before (Group A), during (Group B), and after (Group C) renovations. ⋯ Mortality rates were not significantly different. Despite consistent wound care the incidence of infection increased nearly two-fold to four-fold when patients were treated out of the unit. We recommend a temporary isolation unit during renovations if possible.
-
J Burn Care Rehabil · Jul 2002
How well does the Parkland formula estimate actual fluid resuscitation volumes?
We had anecdotally observed that fluid resuscitation volumes often exceed those estimated by the Parkland Formula in adults with isolated cutaneous burns. The purpose of this study was to compare estimated and actual fluid resuscitation volumes using the Parkland Formula. We performed a retrospective study of fluid resuscitation in patients with burns > or = 15% TBSA. ⋯ Both the DCR and INCR groups received significantly more fluid than predicted, (5.6 +/- 2.1 ml/kg/%TBSA and 7.7 +/- 3.1 ml/kg/%TBSA respectively). The INCR patients had significantly larger full thickness burns (14 +/- 11% vs 3 +/- 6%, P < 0.001). Our findings reveal that despite its effectiveness, the Parkland Formula underestimated the volume requirements in most adults with isolated cutaneous burns, and especially in those with large full thickness burns.
-
J Burn Care Rehabil · Jul 2002
Serious occupational burn injuries treated at a regional burn center.
This article will present the epidemiology of occupational burn injuries among patients admitted to a regional burn center. Patients admitted to University of Alabama at Birmingham University Hospital Burn Center between November 1994 and December 1999 for occupational burn injuries were studied. Descriptive statistics were generated for demographic, clinical, and outcome characteristics. ⋯ Burn type varied with occupation. Over $16 million in hospital charges was accrued by patients sustaining occupational burn injuries. Understanding the epidemiology of serious burn injuries in the workplace is crucial to directing prevention efforts toward worker groups at highest risk.